An antisemitic hate group was behind a banner hung over a busy Los Angeles freeway Saturday saying “Kanye is right about the Jews,” watchdog groups said, after Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, made a string of antisemitic comments in recent weeks.
A number of people raised their arms in a Nazi salute as they stood behind the banner and another sign that read: "Honk if you know." A third banner promoted a video platform that streams antisemitic content operated by the Goyim Defense League, a network of antisemitic conspiracy theorists.
StopAntisemitism.org, a nonprofit group dedicated to documenting antisemitic behavior, said the Goyim Defense League was responsible for hanging the banners above Interstate 405.
The Anti-Defamation League in Southern California tweeted that the group responsible for the banner was "known for espousing vitriolic #antisemitism and white supremacist ideology."
"Hate has no place in Los Angeles or elsewhere and these attempts will not divide us," it said.
A number of high-profile figures spoke out over the weekend against the recent rise in antisemitic discourse.
Kim Kardashian, Ye's ex-wife, tweeted Monday: "Hate speech is never OK or excusable. I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric towards them to come to an immediate end."
Reese Witherspoon tweeted Sunday night: "Anti-semitism in any form is deplorable. In person. Online. Doesn’t matter where. It’s hate and it’s unacceptable."
"Completely understand why my Jewish friends/ colleagues are frightened for their families. This is a very scary time," she said.
Comedian and actor Amy Schumer said on Instagram: "I support my Jewish friends and the Jewish people."
From the White House to California's top elected officials, political leaders also condemned the banner and the example set by Ye.
"@POTUS ran to heal the soul of the nation after years of hate and division. As part of this healing, we need to call out antisemitism everywhere it rears its ugly head. These actions in LA are disgusting and should be condemned," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said: "Once again, hate speech opens the door to hateful action.
"This weekend’s anti-Semitic protests in LA were disgusting and cannot be normalized or brushed aside," Newsom tweeted. "Words matter, and in CA we’ll always speak out against racial, ethnic, and religious hate when it rears its ugly head."